Affordable Gift Guide for Teachers

This is my first shot at a holiday gift guide, so I’m starting with a category near and dear to my heart: gifts for teachers!

Many of you know that I am a high school teacher, and honestly getting gifts this time of year really lifts my spirits. It doesn’t matter what the gift is – but just getting a gift and knowing my students thought of me just makes my heart melt and gives me that boost to keep fighting teacher burnout.

If your kid’s teacher is pretty awesome or if you have a friend or family member who is a teacher and you want to get them a gift, this post is for you! These are some gift ideas, that I have personally received and loved, that won’t break the bank!

Pens

It’s no secret that teachers need pens. And honestly? We love a good set of pens. Even though this gift seems obvious, it will be GREATLY appreciated, trust me!

THESE Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens are all the rage in teacher world. I cherish my flair pens and they give me all the happy vibes when making my mind-mapping notes for my students.

Okay, but here’s the thing, I cheat on my flair pens with THESE Journal Planner Fine Point Pens all the time. Eeeek that’s right! I use these pens in my lesson planner and for making neat lists. They are finer than flair pens and don’t bleed. I’m actually a little shocked that not more teachers have shifted gears to these pens, because they are also significantly cheaper. My best teacher friend at school actually showed me these pens and I am obsessed!

Books

There are so many great educator books out there, but most are pretty boring. But THIS book by Hope and Wade King is the most exciting, engaging teacher professional book out there. In The Wild Card: 7 Steps to an Educator’s Creative Breakthrough Hope and Wade teach educators how to tap into their passions and allow that to fuel them in the classroom. Every teacher I have spoken to who has read this book has been significantly empowered, including myself. I read this book over the summer and was completely inspired. This book would make a WONDERFUL gift to any teacher!

Coffee Tumbler

THIS Simple Modern Scout Coffee Mug Tumbler is beyond cute! I love the Carrara Marble color. I’m a coffee lover, so personally the 18oz size is more practical, but the 10oz Lowball Tumbler is SO adorable. The teacher in your life (or child’s life) would love any size in this tumbler.

Gift Cards

Some people have a stigma with gift cards, like it was the easy way out. Let me tell you – teachers DO NOT feel this way! We love gift cards! Some of my favorite (and actually used) gift cards from students were for Starbucks, Target, and TJ Maxx. Even just a $5 gift card is so special and thoughtful. Don’t feel like you need to put a lot of money on the card, we’re just happy you even thought of us!

Free Motivational Quote

“it takes a big heart to teach little minds”

Okay I’m the budget queen here – so you didn’t budget for a teacher gift? No problem, I got your back! I created an adorable motivational quote PDF that is free to you to download. You could place it in a cheap frame or even just print it out on card stock and write a short note on it. This is an easy, free, and thoughtful gift to any teacher to help remind them that their job is important and that they are appreciated. To gain access to this free PDF download, just subscribe to the monthly newsletter before it gets sent out next week (I will post the specific date in a few days, the goal is before December 19th). The PDF download will be included in the December newsletter and you can catch it there! Click HERE to subscribe.